Overview

In this performance assessment, students will analyze how a theme develops over the course of a text. Specifically, students will be asked to create a visual that analyzes how a theme developed over the course of a text. 

Students can create the final presentation in any appropriate way, including, but not limited to, PowerPoint or Google Slides (or another slideshow tool), Microsoft Word or Google Docs, paper and colored pens/pencils/ markers, Canva, etc. Final student work should be saved as an Acrobat PDF for uploading to the virtual scoring software.

This assessment is best used after completing a poem, short story, or novel. Students should have had instruction on identifying and analyzing themes and citing textual evidence. Below are some examples of texts that may be used. It is important that students read the text prior to this assessment. 
•    “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut (short story)
•    “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant (short story)
•    “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe (poem)
•    Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (novel)

Details

Big Ideas & Competencies

Big Ideas Competencies

A. Reading Literature

Students can read with purpose, understand and analyze evidence in literature to construct meaning in increasingly complex texts.

A1

Students can analyze how a theme develops over the course of a text by citing textual evidence.

F. Style and Language

Students can build vocabulary knowledge and apply conventions of grammar and usage specific to the context.

F1

Students can use grade-level appropriate writing conventions of grammar and usage when writing and speaking.

NOTE ABOUT ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Below are analytic teacher rubrics. The column on the left shows the dimension that is being measured in the student’s performance. The levels across the top row indicate the performance level in the dimensions. Occasionally all dimensions and performance levels are exemplified by multiple students in a single recording.

Teacher Rubric

Dimensions Not Yet Meeting Expectations Meeting Expectations Exceeding Expectations

Theme & Evidence

  • The theme is vague or incomplete; analysis is minimal.  
  • Evidence is weak, missing, or does not show theme development.
No exemplars at this time.
  • The theme is clear; analysis shows how it develops.
  • Adequate evidence (at least 3 quotes) supports progression. Quotes are cited.
No exemplars at this time.
  • The theme is stated clearly and insightfully; analysis shows depth.
  • Strong, well-chosen and properly cited evidence (3+ quotes) fully and consistently supports theme development across beginning, middle, and end.
No exemplars at this time.

Visual Design

  • Visuals are disorganized or hard to read. 
  • Visuals are lacking, minimal, distracting, or do not support the theme.
  • Handwriting/font is hard to read.  
No exemplars at this time.
  • Visuals are organized and readable.  
  • Some visuals support the theme, but the design could be clearer.
  • Handwriting/font is legible.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Visuals are creative, well-organized, and visually engaging.
  • Graphics and layout clearly support theme progression.
  • Handwriting/font enhances the visual.
No exemplars at this time.

Language and Conventions

  • Frequent errors in grammar/usage make writing unclear.  
  • Style is inconsistent or too informal.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Writing is mostly clear; some errors in grammar/usage  
  • Language usage errors do not interfere with understanding.
  • Style is consistent and formal; meaning remains clear.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Writing is polished, with few or no errors in grammar/usage.  
  • Language is clear, formal, and enhances meaning.
  • Style is appropriate and effective for the task, with clear and controlled language.
No exemplars at this time.

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